Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which can be used indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just needs to be used on surfaces which are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more frequently in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These kinds of forklifts can be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The operator of the forklift stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, he sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. To start with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.